• Mesoblast (ASX:MSB) share price tumbles 32% lower on update

    mesoblast share price falling represented by cartoon of little business men falling off broken graph arrow

    It has been a disappointing day for Mesoblast Limited (ASX: MSB) shareholders as they flee for the hills. Before the opening bell, Mesoblast announced it had received an update from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on its remestemcel-L product. At the time of writing, the Mesoblast share price is down an astonishing 32.49% to $3.45. At one point, the Mesoblast share price reached as low as $2.81.

    Let’s take a look at Mesoblast and find out what happened.

    What is remestemcel-L?

    Mesoblast’s lead drug candidate, remestemcel-L, is a cellular therapy product that consists of cultured, cryopreserved mesenchymal stem cells derived from the bone marrow of healthy donors.

    Remestemcel-L is being developed to treat steroid-refractory acute graft versus host disease (SR-aGVHD). However, Mesoblast has been also experimenting with remestemcel-L to treat patients infected with COVID-19.

    FDA response letter

    The Mesoblast share price fell of a cliff this morning after the company provided an update on the progress of its remestemcel-L drug with the FDA. Mesoblast advised that it had received a complete response letter to its Biologics Licence Application. Despite, the Oncologic Drugs Advisory Committee (ODAC) voting in favour of the efficacy of remestemcel-L in September, the FDA has recommended an additional randomised controlled study.

    Mesoblast noted that there is no approved treatment for pediatric SR-aGVHD. The company said it will urgently request a Type A meeting with the FDA to discuss the potential accelerated approval, pending the success of its additional study.

    It is expected that this will be completed within 30 days.

    Management said it remained upbeat on remestemcel-L. Professor Joanne Kurtzberg, Director of the Pediatric Blood and Marrow Transplant Program at Duke University Medical Centre commented, “The Phase 3 trial results showed that remestemcel-L provides a meaningful treatment for children with SR-aGVHD who have a very dismal prognosis. I look forward to having this much-needed therapy available to our patients.”

    In addition, Mesoblast CEO, Dr Silviu Itescu, stated, “We are working tirelessly to bring remestemcel-L to patients with life threatening inflammatory conditions, including SR-aGVHD and COVID-19 ARDS.”

    Current phase III trial

    Mesoblast is currently conducting a phase III trial which is further evaluating the effectiveness of its flagship remestemcel-L drug. The control study involves 300 ventilator-dependent adults with moderate to severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) caused by COVID-19.

    A second interim analysis by the trial’s independent Data Safety Monitoring Board is due in early November. Completion of patient enrolment will conclude in the month of December.

    Is the Mesoblast share price a buy?

    I think that while Mesoblast has strong potential to commercialise its remestemcel-L drug, there are still many hurdles to overcome. Personally, I will be staying away from the Mesoblast share price for now, even after today’s fall. I believe there is still too much risk associated with the FDA not approving remestemcel-L.

    I also think there are much safer opportunities on the market to invest in.

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  • Why the Domain (ASX:DHG) share price is hot property today

    online real estate shares

    The Domain Holdings Australia Ltd (ASX: DHG) share price has jumped 1.3% higher in early trade. It follows a strong last 6 months for the Aussie online classifieds business, which has seen its shares climb 90.6% higher.

    Why the Domain share price is hot property

    I think it pays to rewind a little bit to the March bear market. The coronavirus pandemic was taking hold and there were many experts predicting a doomsday scenario.

    That saw many ASX shares plummet lower and the Domain share price was no exception. It’s not hard to follow the reasoning: A pandemic shuts down the economy, causes mass unemployment and sees a potentially overvalued share market crash.

    That’s not good news for an online classifieds business like Domain. On top of that, many homeowners were fearful of selling with such uncertainty. That would mean fewer listings, driving down advertising revenues for the site.

    However, the last 6 months have been pretty good for shareholders. The Domain share price has surged higher and house prices have been largely resilient.

    In fact, there’s potentially a regional housing boom on the cards thanks to a shift in working arrangements. That would be good news for Domain and could propel its valuation even higher.

    Investors continue to want to buy Domain shares in the current market. I think as long as economic and housing data remains positive, that will continue to be the case.

    The group now has a $2.2 billion market capitalisation with a 1.6% dividend yield. Those are some handy numbers given the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) is down 13.1% for the year.

    Is now a good time to buy?

    No one knows what the future holds. However, plenty of people have left money on the table by waiting for a crash compared to those that invested and rode the ups and downs. 

    The Domain share price is now up 3.8% for the year. I think positive momentum and favourable property laws in Australia may continue that trajectory into early 2021.

    Of course, things can change quickly, particularly in a global pandemic. But there are enough positive glimpses from Domain to make it a solid buy if you believe property will hold its value next year and beyond.

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  • ASX shares to buy, watch or sell today

    close up of man's eye looking through magnifying glass representing asx 200 shares on watch

    It has been a pretty volatile week for ASX shares, and I think this is likely to continue for a while. Between the United States election, fears over US stimulus payments and the changes in Australian subsidies, it is clear that we continue to live in an age of uncertainty. Based on the current economic situation, here is a range of ASX shares that I believe should be on your buy, watch or sell lists. 

    ASX shares to BUY

    Jumbo Interactive Ltd (ASX: JIN) recently signed a binding term sheet to enter into negotiations with Lottery West to sell its tickets online for up to ten years. The company also renewed its deal with Tabcorp Holdings Limited (ASX: TAH) which now stretches to 2030. Jumbo already has a slew of charity lottery sellers as clients, and has started to tackle the US market.

    This company is reasonably priced considering the size of its addressable market. For me, Jumbo is a buy today.

    Mortgage Choice Limited (ASX: MOC) is an ASX share that has recently come alive. With the recent changes to the responsible lending laws, this company is likely to see an increase in top line revenues. At its current price, the company has a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 15.3 and a trailing 12 month dividend yield of 5.7%. I think this share is a buy today because of the near-future housing situation.

    ASX shares to WATCH

    Boral Limited (ASX: BLD) stands out to me as the best potential turnaround story on the ASX right now. As a collection of businesses that sell building materials, this company should be pretty straightforward. Yet, it has performed poorly for years. There is, however, now a new CEO in place. Moreover, the company is renewing the board with two additional non-executive directors and two nominees from Seven Group Holdings Ltd (ASX: SVW).

    Boral is committed to renewal across the board and there are already signs of US private equity players who have an interest in purchasing Boral’s US assets. I am keeping an eye on news relating to Boral and any signs of increased sales or productivity. I think this could become an opportunity. 

    ASX shares to SELL

    If you had Woodside Petroleum Limited (ASX: WPL), or Oil Search Limited (ASX: OSH) before the March share market rout, then I believe it’s time to sell down your position. The changes in the LNG price are structural and long term, I believe. These are related to market oversupply, PetroChina exercising its price making clout, and reduced demand. I do believe these share prices will rise again over time. However, I find it hard to believe they will rise back to their pre-COVID-19 positions. 

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    Daryl Mather has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. recommends Jumbo Interactive Limited. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of and has recommended Jumbo Interactive Limited. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • Leading broker reiterates buy rating on Aristocrat Leisure (ASX:ALL) shares

    The Aristocrat Leisure Limited (ASX: ALL) share price is trading lower with the market on Friday morning.

    At the time of writing, the gaming technology company’s shares are down 1.5% to $30.12.

    Is this a buying opportunity?

    While Aristocrat Leisure shares certainly aren’t the bargain buy they were just a few months ago, I still see a lot of value in them at the current level.

    Based on today’s share price, I estimate that they are changing hands at approximately 23x FY 2021 earnings.

    I think this is good value for a company which has the potential to grow its earnings at an above-average rate over the 2020s. This is thanks to its growing digital business and its industry-leading poker machines.

    Goldman Sachs reiterates its buy rating.

    I’m not the only one that is positive on Aristocrat Leisure.

    According to a note out of Goldman Sachs this morning, the broker has reiterated its buy rating and lifted the price target on its shares to $32.77.

    This price target implies potential upside of almost 9% for its shares over the next 12 months excluding dividends. This increases to over 10% including them.

    Why is Goldman bullish on Aristocrat Leisure?

    On Thursday the company held an investor round table event which Goldman Sachs went to.

    And while there was limited quantitative disclosure provided, the broker ”walked away incrementally positive, with management clearly very much focused on investing for long term growth.”

    Some of the key takeaways from the event included gaming ops trends across North America remaining solid, digital trends remain sound (albeit slowing off peaks in May), management continues to focus on D&D investment spend for longer term growth, and its balance sheet and liquidity remains robust. The latter leaves the company well-placed for either organic or M&A opportunities.

    It concluded: “With our revised TP [target price] implying >10% TSR [total shareholder return], we remain Buy on ALL and note i) valuation support, with the stock trading on a 24mf PER of c.18X, below its 19X 10Y avg, ii) Balance sheet strength, (iii) intent to continue investing for long term growth, and iv) its exposure to digital tailwinds.”

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  • Qube (ASX:QUB) share price jumps as Woolworths logistics park gets backing

    Goldfish leaps from small fishbowl to larger bowl

    The Qube Holdings Ltd (ASX: QUB) share price has jumped 1.95% higher in early trade after providing an update on its Moorebank Logistics Park (MLP).

    What is the Moorebank Logistics Park?

    The Moorebank Logistics Park or ‘MLP’ is a 243-hectare development in South Western Sydney. Once complete, the development is Australia’s largest freight infrastructure project spearheaded by Qube.

    Qube is partnering with Woolworths Group Ltd (ASX: WOW) on two new state-of-the-art facilities in the MPL. Woolworths is set to become a major tenant at the site in a deal worth $1 billion as the conglomerate pushes towards more automation.

    Why is the Qube share price moving today?

    The Qube share price has climbed higher in early trade following its latest update on monetising the MLP.

    This follows an earlier announcement from Qube around unlocking some value from the high-quality assets. The MLP monetisation has now progressed into a period of exclusivity with Asia-Pacific logistics specialist, LOGOS Property Group.

    The transaction is currently a non-binding indicative proposal from LOGOS, which has A$13.8 billion in assets under management.

    Qube and LOGOS have now commenced “significant work” needed to agree and document the level of ownership and assets subject to monetisation.

    Qube has said it will only proceed if it is able to realise appropriate value from its MLP investment in support of its strategic objectives and growth of the high-quality asset.

    That has been enough for shareholders to buy the logistics share as the Qube share price has climbed nearly 2% higher this morning.

    How have Qube shares performed this year?

    The Qube share price closed at $2.56 per share yesterday, down 21.2% in 2020. That means the ASX logistics share has underperformed the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO) this year.

    That’s despite a boom in online retail and growing demand for warehousing and logistics services. Logistics have been disrupted by the border closures and trade disputes triggered by the coronavirus pandemic. 

    Man who said buy Kogan shares at $3.63 says buy these 3 ASX stocks now

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    Motley Fool contributor Ken Hall has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of Woolworths Limited. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • Breville (ASX:BRG) share price higher on US$60m Baratza acquisition

    Happy

    The Breville Group Ltd (ASX: BRG) share price could end the week on a high on Friday.

    In morning trade the appliance manufacturer’s shares are up slightly to $29.95.

    Why is the Breville share price pushing higher?

    The catalyst for this gain has been the announcement of an acquisition by Breville this morning.

    According to the release, Breville has completed the acquisition of Seattle-based coffee grinding company, Baratza.

    Breville has acquired 100% of Baratza on a cash and debt free basis for a total consideration of approximately US$60 million. Approximately US$43 million of this consideration was paid in cash, with US$17 million being paid through the issue of 884,956 shares.

    Those shares were priced at the 20-day volume weighted average price of Breville shares up to 1 October. They are subject to a three-year trading lock.

    What is Baratza?

    Established in 1999, Baratza is a designer and marketer of premium coffee grinders for North American and international markets.

    Management believes the acquisition will be complementary to Breville’s existing premium coffee business. It notes that it brings together two of the world’s leading companies in the design and global distribution of coffee products.

    Breville CEO, Jim Clayton, commented: “We are excited by the opportunity to bring Baratza into the Breville family. Our combined experience will unlock dynamic revenue synergies for both businesses, that share a passion for innovation and an unwavering commitment to enhancing the consumer experience.”

    This sentiment was echoed by Baratza’s CEO and Co-Founder, Kyra Kennedy.

    Kennedy said: “As a business renowned for its excellence in leading-edge design and customer service, it is vital to us that we maintain our unique culture and global brand. In Breville Group, we are confident we have found a partner with shared values and deep category expertise, whose vision for the future complements our own.”

    No details were provided in respect to Baratza’s earnings or sales, nor whether it will be accretive to Breville’s earnings in FY 2021.

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    Motley Fool contributor James Mickleboro has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • Plenti (ASX:PLT) share price up 3% on prospectus-beating Q2 update

    child in a superman outfit

    The Plenti Group (ASX: PLT) share price has been a positive performer on Friday morning.

    At the time of writing the technology-led consumer lending and investment company’s shares are up over 3% to $1.23.

    Why is the Plenti share price pushing higher?

    Investors have been buying Plenti’s shares following the release of an update on its performance during the second quarter of FY 2021.

    According to the release, Plenti achieved record loan originations of $106.9 million during the second quarter. This was a 48% increase compared to the prior corresponding period and 11% above its prospectus forecast.

    This also marked the first quarter of loan originations exceeding $100 million and was underpinned by three consecutive record months.

    At the end of the quarter, Plenti’s total loan portfolio increased to approximately $434 million. This was also ahead of its prospectus forecast of $426 million.

    Another big positive was that the company’s loan portfolio continues to demonstrate strong credit performance. Management notes that it has low credit losses, with a reduction in both 90+ day arrears and number of borrowers in loan deferral.

    “An outstanding result.”

    Plenti’s Chief Executive Officer, Daniel Foggo, appeared to be delighted with its performance during the second quarter.

    He said: “Delivering three consecutive months of record loan originations and exceeding our prospectus forecast is an outstanding result for Plenti. With this momentum, our focus remains on the development of market-leading and innovative products and building scale in each of our large lending markets.”

    “Plenti was founded on a belief that by building a lending business with technology at its core we could offer customers better value and service than traditional lenders and build a business of serious scale. We are delivering on that promise and our growth is testament to that central focus on technology and our customer,” he added.

    Plenti will release its first half results for FY 2021 in mid-November.

    These 3 stocks could be the next big movers in 2020

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    In this FREE STOCK REPORT, Scott just revealed what he believes are the 3 ASX stocks for the post COVID world that investors should buy right now while they still can. These stocks are trading at dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks these could really go gangbusters as we move into ‘the new normal’.

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  • PainChek (ASX:PCK) share price lower despite Ramsay (ASX:RHC) partnership

    Health technology shares

    The PainChek Ltd (ASX: PCK) share price is dropping lower on Friday morning following the release of an announcement.

    In morning trade the healthcare technology company’s shares are down 3% to 9.2 cents.

    What did PainChek announce?

    Investors have been selling PainChek’s shares despite it announcing a partnership with Ramsay Health Care Limited (ASX: RHC) and Edith Cowan University (ECU) for a research project.

    According to the release, the research project will investigate ways of minimising or stopping the progression of frailty in hospital patients. It is expected that better pain management is key to achieving these outcomes.

    This bodes well for PainChek, given that it has developed a smartphone-based pain assessment and monitoring application.

    Management notes that this project marks the first commercial agreement with a hospital organisation entered into by PainChek.

    And while the revenue associated with the project is not material, it feels it provides significant validation for its technology. It also allows the company to form a partnership with one of Australia’s leading hospital and health service providers.

    “An important step.”

    PainChek’s CEO, Philip Daffas, was very pleased with the partnership and sees it as an important step for the company.

    He commented: “Bringing PainChek into the local and global hospital market has been a longstanding goal of the company, and this marks an important step toward that goal. We expect that a successful outcome from this research will provide for excellent opportunities with groups such as Ramsay and provides us a high-quality case study we can demonstrate with other potential customers.”

    What is the project?

    This project will examine how a nurse led volunteer program and better pain management could help improve outcomes for hospital patients who are frail.

    The company notes that the evidence to support the association between pain and frailty continues to grow. Pain prevalence increases with increased age and so too does frailty.

    As persistent pain can lead to functional disability, depression, or social isolation, it has been suggested that the burden of pain leaves older adults less capable to compensate. This increases the likelihood of frailty.

    A consortium of 12 researchers from five Australian universities is investigating different ways of minimising or stopping the progression of frailty in hospital patients. This is through volunteer support interventions and optimal pain management facilitated by better pain assessment through the use of PainChek.

    These 3 stocks could be the next big movers in 2020

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    In this FREE STOCK REPORT, Scott just revealed what he believes are the 3 ASX stocks for the post COVID world that investors should buy right now while they still can. These stocks are trading at dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks these could really go gangbusters as we move into ‘the new normal’.

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  • ASX renewable vs coal shares: Which will win?

    renewables fund solar energy farm with sun setting over mountain

    ASX renewable shares could be in high demand very soon. According to an article in the Australian Financial Review, demand for clean energy is surging while coal prices have fallen to a new record low.

    That appears to be at odds with what we’ve seen in ASX coal shares this week. The Whitehaven Coal Ltd (ASX: WHC) share price has seesawed in recent days but is up 14.7% in the last 5 days.

    ASX renewable shares like Tilt Renewables Ltd (ASX: TLT) have also been climbing in recent days. The Kiwi wind and solar company’s value has edged 3.7% higher this year to outpace the S&P/ASX 200 Index (ASX: XJO).

    So, which ASX shares will win the battle between renewable energy and coal in 2020 and beyond?

    Why ASX renewable shares could be worth buying

    New data from the Open National Electricity Market project shows that demand for coal-fired power generation is falling. That’s driven by solar farm generation and rooftop solar in places like Queensland.

    In the short term, that could hit profits for coal miners like Whitehaven. However, the longer-term outlook could also be characterised by less investment in coal mining going forward.

    The future does appear to be brighter for ASX renewables shares. If demand continues to rise and investment in the sector increases, that is good news for capturing further profits.

    There will inevitably be more competition as the market matures. However, a company like Tilt, or major shareholder Infratil Ltd (ASX: IFT), could have a significant first-mover advantage.

    Add to that a growing interest in environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing, and ASX renewable shares could be worth a look.

    ESG investing can be hit and miss, but it’s hard to believe the Aussie super funds won’t want to increasingly invest in renewables. That means a $2.9 trillion pot of money could be looking for more shares to invest in for clean energy exposure.

    Foolish takeaway

    There is still a good investment case for coal shares like Whitehaven. For one thing, they do pay out significant dividends compared to many of their ASX 200 peers.

    However, the long-term future of renewables is starting to take shape. That could mean ASX renewable shares are back in the buy zone in 2020.

    Man who said buy Kogan shares at $3.63 says buy these 3 ASX stocks now

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    In this FREE STOCK REPORT, Scott just revealed what he believes are the 3 ASX stocks for the post COVID world that investors should buy right now while they still can. These stocks are trading at dirt-cheap prices and Scott thinks these could really go gangbusters as we move into ‘the new normal’.

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    Motley Fool contributor Ken Hall has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

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  • Is the Altium (ASX:ALU) share price a buy after slumping?

    Man thinking and scratching his beard as if asking whether the altium share price is a good buy

    The Altium Limited (ASX: ALU) share price slumped 1.9% lower in yesterday’s trade to $35.23 per share. That could mean there is an opportunity to buy the ASX tech share for a good price as others look to sell.

    Why the Altium share price is falling

    It was a sharp fall in the value of the Altium share price yesterday given no new announcements from the electronic printed circuit board (PCB) software design company. 

    Altium is an Australian-American company and I think it could have been a reaction to the United States presidential debate.

    Altium generates a significant portion of its earnings in America and is therefore exposed to political risk factors over there.

    There’s also the looming decision by the Reserve Bank of Australia regarding interest rates. A lower official cash rate could push the AUD-USD exchange rate lower and have implications for company earnings.

    It’s not all doom and gloom right now though. The Altium share price is still up 2.6% for the year despite slumping in recent days.

    Is the ASX tech share in the buy zone?

    I think there will be more volatility ahead. The US presidential election could continue to worry investors right through until the end of the year.

    The Altium share price currently trades at a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 105.7. That’s quite high in normal times, but we’re seeing ASX tech shares trade for much higher multiples.

    Many, like fellow WAAAX member Afterpay Ltd (ASX: APT), are yet to even turn a profit. On top of that, Altium shares are yielding 1.1% in dividends right now.

    I do think Altium is heavily exposed to potential changes in the US given its core business operations. That includes amendments to various laws covering labour, taxes and trade.

    However, Altium did surprise investors with its full-year results. Despite disruptions in FY20, the software design company posted 10% revenue growth to US$189 million. Net profit slumped 42% to US$30.9 million but pre-tax profit climbed 12% to US$64.6 million.

    Foolish takeaway

    I’d be wary of betting against the Altium share price in 2020. Volatility can be scary but it can also present buying opportunities for brave investors.

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    More reading

    Ken Hall has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool Australia’s parent company Motley Fool Holdings Inc. owns shares of and recommends Altium. The Motley Fool Australia owns shares of AFTERPAY T FPO. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. This article contains general investment advice only (under AFSL 400691). Authorised by Scott Phillips.

    The post Is the Altium (ASX:ALU) share price a buy after slumping? appeared first on Motley Fool Australia.

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